Top 2018 Travel Destinations For The Family

Summer is just around the corner and there is no time like the present to start planning your annual family vacation. After a grueling winter that just didn’t seem to want to go away, we are beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel with warmer days, less rain, and the winding down of the school year. Yes, summer is the perfect time of year to get in some hard-won quality time with the family.

It may come as a surprise that many of this year’s hottest travel destinations are also kid-friendly. But where should you go?

5. Dublin, Ireland

Ireland is quickly becoming one of the world’s trendiest places to visit. Great for families, couples, and individuals who just want to get away—Dublin has become the go-to city. Known as “The Emerald Isle,” Ireland is famous for its lush green landscape and craggy coastlines, and of course a plethora of castles. Indoor waterparks, museums, a zoo, a variety of outdoor parks, shopping, and astounding St. Patrick’s Cathedral are just a few of the family-friendly activities and sights to be taken in in the Dublin area. And for the adults who really want to unwind, a visit to the Jameson distillery, or Guinness brewery may be just what you need (and yes, children are permitted inside—just not allowed to drink).

4. Sydney, Australia

Sydney Australia is an active family’s dream, and with the momentous re-opening of the famous Opera House, now is the perfect time to visit the ‘Land Down Under’! Known for its exotic wildlife, breathtaking landscape of the wild Outback, pristine beaches, famous Luna Park, and of course, Great Barrier Reef, every day can be the start of a new adventure.

3. New Orleans, Louisiana

An oldie but a goodie that never disappoints, New Orleans is like a good old-fashioned jazz number that you never get tired of hearing and this year “The Big Easy” is turning 300 years old. A city as rich in history as it is local flavor, there are plenty of activities to keep both little ones and adults interested! Take in the sights and artistic flare at Jackson Square, grab some world-famous beignets from Café Du Monde, shop at the old French Market, tour the Audubon Zoo and/or Aquarium, get a behind-the-scenes look at Mardi Gras parade floats, catch a ride on a riverboat and cruise the Mississippi, visit the unique Storyland, or take a stroll through the city’s numerous museums. It’s the trip of a lifetime your family won’t soon forget

2. Cleveland, Ohio

Nope, this isn’t a mistake—Cleveland, Ohio has become one of the must-see family vacation spots you have to see to believe. From indoor waterparks and playgrounds to 65-foot waterfalls, a candy factory with 400,000 pounds of candy, and a zoo where the tigers walk high above your head; Cleveland is not the sleepy little town you thought it was. Full of both natural and manmade wonders, there is something for everyone in this American city!

1. Orlando, Florida

Nothing says magical family vacation experience quite like a trip to Disney. Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Florida is just the tip of the proverbial iceberg in the so-call “Sunshine State” that rarely sees temperatures dip below 40 degrees. According to official stats recorded by Visit Orlando, the city experienced a record 68 million visitors in 2016. From Disney princesses to Universal’s Marvel superheroes, Harry Potter World, and more a trip to Orlando is not to be missed.

Aside from the theme parks, there are loads of affordable hotels, classy and kid-friendly restaurants, and more shopping opportunities than you could ever hope to accomplish in one trip. Take a short trip and you’ll be face to face with pristine beaches that make up the vacation spot of your dreams or visit Kennedy Space Center, Cape Canaveral, or any one of the 25+ museum options available in and around the city for an education afternoon.

Getting You The Best Deals

Spending some time away from the office and with your loved ones may be great for your overall sense of wellbeing, but it may not have the same effect on your wallet. According to an article from Entrepreneur, it is estimated that the average American family of four spends roughly $4,580 on a vacation—roughly, $1,145 per person. With such a hefty price tag, it’s no wonder why so many associations are looking to add travel benefits for their members.

Did you know that as a valued member of the State Bar of Texas, you have access to unique savings on hotels and vacations? Receive the lowest available rates by taking advantage of some discounts that may exceed 50 percent, with an average of 10 to 20 percent in savings.

To learn more, head to the travel page and start planning your next trip today!